Steven Richard Baker (born 8 September 1978 in Pontefract, West Yorkshire) is an English footballer who played as a defender for Middlesbrough, Huddersfield Town, Darlington and Hartlepool United. Baker made his debut for Middlesbrough in the 1997-98 campaign, and went on to make five league appearances that season as they were promoted to the Premier League. The following season he made just two Premier League appearances. He suffered two cruciate ligament injuries in the space of three years. Baker also represented the Republic of Ireland under-21 team over a five-year period, earning over 35 caps. Baker joined Scarborough, initially on loan from Middlesbrough, in 2001, and went on to make more than 100 Conference appearances for them. He was released at the end of the 2005–06 season. He signed for Gateshead in July 2006, but missed the whole of the 2007–08 season with injury. References External links 1978 births Living people Sportspeople from Pontefract English footballers Middlesbrough F.C. players Hartlepool United F.C. players Huddersfield Town A.F.C. players Darlington F.C. players Scarborough F.C. players Gateshead F.C. players Premier League players English Football League players Northern Premier League players Newcastle Blue Star F.C. players Association football defenders